Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Milwaukiedave]

In some hagwons, Korean-Americans are treated diffrently. I worked one place (I won't say where) that I specifically know one of the Kypos were getting paid less and with no housing. Personally I disagree with employers doing this, but I there's nothing I can do about it.

I think honestly it let him to have a big chip on his shoulder, which was unfortunate because it wasn't right.

I've heard the same thing about hogwan directors wanting blonde hair blue eyed woman teachers and that they (supposedly) teach better. I think it really depends on the teacher (not ethnicity) and his or her experience and education.

It still happens in Korea believe it or not.

[beebee23]

Thankyou Milwaukiedave...


That's very true. In Korea stuff like this will happen. Like Milwaukee... said, "it all depends on the Director."


In my opinion, stuff like this happens everywhere. For instance, if a European director here in America wants to hire only white women with very big boobs, hell, he will. He'll just work within the rules to do so.

I believe this type of stuff happens everywhere. I really wish it didn't have to be that way.

[T-dot]

There have been people passing themselves off as Korean-American/Canadian etc.. in hopes of landing more money; when in fact they are Koreans who might have just been schooled there or were late arriving immigrants.

If the hagwon/employer truly believes you are native; they will pay you they same as any caucasian teacher (unless she's a blonde blue-eyed hottie). If they suspect that you may be masquerading as a native; they'll pay Korean wages.

[Francis-Pax]

I have seen two situations regarding Kyopos:

1. They are paid more because they usually have valuable Korean language skills.

2. They are paid the same as a regular Korean teacher.

In the public schools, I have seen Kyopos teated very well. They not only make the same as everybody else, but I have seen some of them get administrative positions (i.e. David Nam in GEPIK).

[DCJames]

I've been here for over 4 years and have seen the demand for Korean-Americans go from very low to very high...It seems like hogwans/schools are realizing that bilingual teachers are naturally better at teaching beginners, which most Korean students are.

[mateomiguel]

Here's a student's perspective.

my korean friend is currently in a high level class learning english and her teacher is a korean-american. She says she doesn't like it, and doesn't like him. When I asked her why, the only thing she could come up with is that he can understand korean and it makes her more nervous. She also thinks he's too hard on her and too strict. These are all fluff excuses, in my opinion, and the real, true reason is that she wants to learn from a white boy, which is probably why she's spending so much time with me this month...

[JZer]